COFA Code of Conduct

All players, parents, coaches and spectators are expected to follow the NZ Football Code of Conduct.

A copy of this is available on the COFA website, from your club or alternatively from the NZ Football Website.

Dogs are not permitted on the sports grounds.

Misconduct in any form by anyone will not be tolerated.

Specifically:

Discriminatory behaviour, racial or otherwise

Foul language

Intimidating or aggressive behaviour

Unfair conduct or play

COFA ALSO OBSERVES THE FIFA CODE OF CONDUCT AS:

Play Fair Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly.
Cheating is easy, but brings no pleasure.
Playing fair requires courage and character. It is also more satisfying.
Fair Play always has its reward, even when the game is lost.
Playing fair earns you respect, while cheats are detested.
Remember: It’s only a game. And games are pointless unless played fairly.
Observe the Laws of the Game All games need rules to guide them. Without rules, there would be chaos.
The rules of football are simple and easy to learn. Make an effort to learn them, so you understand the game better.
Respect Opponents, Teammates, Referees, Officials and Spectators
Fair Play means respect.
Without opponents there can be no game. They have the same rights as you have, including the right to be respected.
Your teammates are your colleagues. You form a team in which all members are equal.
Referees are there to maintain discipline and Fair Play. Always accept their decisions without arguing, and help them to help you enjoy the game more. Officials are also part of the game and must be respected accordingly.
Spectators give the game atmosphere. They want to see the game played fairly, but must also behave fairly themselves.

Rules and Guidelines

Last updated: March 2015

THE REFEREE’S DECISION IS FINAL IN ALL GRADES.

FIFA LAWS APPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS: (see website for full FIFA laws)

UNDER 8 GRADE

No offside to be played – blatant offside play will not be tolerate though

Throw-Ins: please encourage retakes where applicable with no penalty

Direct free kicks where blatant fouls occur

Handball: ‘play on’ & warning given with no penalty unless the offence is blatant

Goalkeeping: can pass back & goalkeeper allowed to pick up to kick

Coaches allowed on the pitch but must not interfere with play

Goal kicks: goalkeeper is allowed the start with ball in hand & can throw or drop- kick / punt from within the box – Opposition must retreat to halfway

No team cards are required and no Tables or results will be collated.

UNDER 10 GRADE

Off side rules apply. Some leniency to be given.

Important note: FIFA laws state that a player is not offside unless they become active ie. being in an offside position does not always result in a free kick for offside. A free kick should only be given when a player in an offside position then influences play, either by touching the ball or blocking a player’s run or vision. Referees should always advise players of any occasion when they stray into an offside position.

Throw-Ins: referees to advise of the reasons for a foul throw & allow one retake. A second offence will result in the throw passed to opposition.

All Grades:

Rolling Substitutions allowed.

TEAM LISTS:

Each club will make available to COFA their team lists at the start of the season. Any transfers or variations from these need to be notified to the COFA committee as soon as possible and must be approved by them.

USE OF LOAN PLAYERS:

Loan Players may be used by any team in the competitive grades under the following circumstances:

Not enough regular team members are available at kick off. The loan player may play until half time and then can only come on if no other players are available.

Be available as a substitute if any regular team members are injured in the 1st half of the match.

Be available as a regular substitute in the 2nd half of the match to rest a regular team member.

2. A team may loan up to three players.
The opposition coach must be informed of which players are loan players prior to the game starting and they must be noted on the game card. Failure to do will result in the forfeiture of the game with a default 3- 0 score recorded.
A team loaning more than three players will automatically forfeit the game with a default 3-0 score recorded.

3. No Central Otago Representative or Federation (FTC/NTC) player may be used as a loan player.
This is a player who has represented either Central Otago or Football South Federation in the last 12 months, if so the forfeiture rule will apply

4. Players in a division 1 team cannot be used as loan players in division 2 (this includes “playing up a grade”)

5. Players must stick to their team they are designated to by their club at the start of the season and cannot “move” teams to suit etc.

TEAM CARDS:

On COFA match days, for all competitive grades, each coach will be required to complete their team details on a match card for each game. Details to include team name, grade, team members’ names, and numbers (if applicable).
Failure to provide these details will result in forfeiture of the game with a default 3-0 score recorded.
One card is provided per game. Referee to record the score on the card and sign (if two referees, both must sign).
Referee to return card to the Scorer’s desk at the Canteen directly after game has concluded.
Teams MUST put full player names on the cards and i f required provide a team list to compare registered players to those noted down.
Any loan players must be clearly marked down, the team the loan player usually plays for must also be noted.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

All players, parents, coaches and spectators are expected to follow the NZ Football Code of Conduct. A copy of this is available on the COFA website, from your club or alternatively from the NZ Football Website Misconduct in any form by anyone will not be tolerated. Incidents of misconduct must be reported in writing and forwarded to the COFA committee via the Secretary of the Club reporting the incident.